Pensioner dies in Stamford Hill blaze

Johnny McDevitt Wednesday, September 1, 2010
12:25 PM

Emergency services battle to save man.

AN ELDERLY man died in a Bank Holiday Monday fire after accidentally setting himself ablaze, it has emerged this week.

Police and Fire Services sources said they believe that Stephen Kingston, 72, accidentally squirted flammable fluid on to his pullover when attempting to refuel his lighter.

It is believed he then set himself alight when he went to light a cigarette, the sources added.

Firefighters from Stoke Newington and Tottenham were called to Mr Kingston’s bed-sit in the three-storey St.Andrew’s House in Cranwich Road, Stamford Hill at 2.46pm, where he was trapped inside.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus entered the building to rescue him and quickly got the fire under control by 3.19pm.

Only his second-floor flat was partially damaged during the blaze.

He suffered serious burns during the blaze and was taken as a priority to the Royal

London Hospital by ambulance, escorted by the doctor from an air ambulance which also arrived.

Mr Kingston died shortly after arriving at the hospital, and his next of kin identified his body.

Neighbours of Mr Kingston said that he had been very ill in the months leading up to his death, which is why he was staying at St. Andrew’s House, which has live-in medical support.

He had lived there for seven months and one neighbour described him as “a quiet, but clearly a very loved and loving man.”

Ian Vickery, a watch manager at Stoke Newington Fire Station, said: “This should act as a reminder to everyone of the importance of smoke alarms.”

An inquest into Mr Kingston’s death has been opened and is due to resume next year.